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Comparing the Cost of DVD-Video to Other Types of Systems
DVD-Video versus Server-Based Solutions
|
DVD-Video |
Server-Based Systems |
| Transfer Infrastructure |
None |
Parking lot networks poles, cabling, or wireless antenna arrays |
| Server Computer |
None |
Requires up to ½ terabyte per officer for 90 days of storage |
| Software |
DVD Manager and Fleet Manager included Free |
Upfront software costs plus ongoing licensing fees |
| Software to Show Metadata |
None - Standard Closed Captioning |
Propriety Program is Included for the Police Department - extra cost for Attorneys to View Metadata |
| Playback Devices |
Regular DVD Player (< $50) |
Laptop, software, and projector for playback of MPEG files (required for multiple courtrooms) OR a DVD Authoring PC at the station |
| IT Resources |
None |
Significant |
| Court DVD Preparation Labor |
High Speed DVD Copy |
Low Speed DVD Authoring |
Expenses for the Back-End, Infrastructure, and the Additional Labor
Server-based systems require the purchase of expensive server computers and corollary equipment to transfer, store and copy video evidence. These systems force agencies to transfer the video TWICE - once from the vehicle to a server, and then from the server to something that can be taken into the courtroom. The first transfer step can usually be somewhat automated, however the second transfer step is always a manual process, resulting in a slow, labor intensive step that adds cost and time to every court case.
The in-car equipment for server-based systems will often be in the same cost range as the WatchGuard DV-1. However the obvious cost differences comes from the data transfer infrastructure, the massive server computers, the ongoing licensing costs for server software, and the extra computers for authoring DVDs or extra laptop computers to play MPEG video evidence in every courtroom.
There are other cost differences that are less obvious. Multi-Terabyte computer servers will require significant IT resources and labor to maintain, backup, and keep updated. There will also be a significant labor expense tied to the 2nd transfer step in preparation for sharing and presenting the video. The labor entailed in preparing video evidence for court is rarely taken into consideration by departments that select server-based solutions. Only after all vehicles are recording digital video, and the video cases are requested, will the full impact of the preparation labor be realized.
High Resolution Video is Cost Prohibitive with Server-Based Systems
The cost for storing a gigabyte of data on a server computer will typically be 20-40 times greater than storing the same amount of data on re-writable DVDs. This huge cost disparity is why manufacturers of server-based systems will recommend recording in very low video resolution (320x240). Recording at higher resolutions only further escalates the storage costs.
High Resolution Video is Normal for the WatchGuard DV-1
Since data is relatively "cheap" when using re-writable DVDs, the WatchGuard DV-1's normal recording resolution is 3 times better than the best quality of most server-based products.
DVD-Video versus DVD-RAM
|
DVD-Video |
DVD-RAM Cartridge Media |
| Cost per Disc |
$1.00 - $1.75 |
$5 - $8 |
| Playback Device |
Regular DVD Player ( |
DVD-RAM Type II Drive >$500 Plus a Computer |
| Storage Space |
1/20th of VHS Space |
1/4th of VHS Space |
| Copy Process for Playable DVDs |
5 Minutes per Video Hour |
2-3 Hours per Video Hour |
| Software to Show Metadata |
None - Standard Closed Captioning |
Propriety Program is Included for the Police Department - extra cost for Attorneys to View Metadata |
Expensive Discs and Drives
WatchGuard utilizes DVD+RW re-writable discs, which may be purchased at electronic retail stores (Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, etc.) at prices that are as low as $1.00 each while DVD-RAM cartridges are typically priced from $5 - $8 each. Furthermore, the computer drives required for playing DVD-RAM type II cartridge media is only available from one manufacture, cartridge drives are not available for laptop computers (only desktop sizes), and the cost is usually more than $500.00 per drive.
Conversion Process is Required
The most significant drawback of DVD-RAM systems is the video is saved as simple MPEG files and is not authored in the DVD-Video format. Not only will the disc physically not fit in a DVD player, but also copying the data onto a conventional DVD disc will not create a playable DVD. The video data would need to go through the arduous DVD-Video authoring process on a powerful PC and then be transferred onto standard DVD media to finally get a playable DVD.
Lacks the Presentation Simplicity of DVD-Video
The simplicity of taking a DVD-Video disc to court to play on a standard DVD player is indispensable. The complexity of taking a DVD-RAM cartridge, assembling the appropriate equipment, software, and taking the time to get the video into a presentable format will add cost and delays to every court case that requires the video.
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